Jordan Harvey's 9-Day Peru Adventure Itinerary

Jordan Harvey is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. He is the co-founder of Knowmad Adventures, which, after being founded in Patagonia, operates exclusively in South America and specializes in high-quality, custom adventures. Below is an example of the type of itineraries he creates. To work with Jordan, you can contact him directly at jordan@knowmadadventures.com.

Day 1: Lima

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by a Knowmad Adventures representative and taken to your accommodations. Explore Peru’s diverse and delectable cuisine and visit some of the city’s many sights and museums.

Stay: Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel

Day 2: Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

After your short morning flight to the former Incan capital of Cusco where Andean cultures come alive (don’t be surprised when the language doesn’t sound like Spanish — it is most likely the native Andean tongue Quechua), you’ll be met at the airport and taken for lunch. Departing for the Incan sights outside Cusco, you’ll visit the fortress Sacsayhuaman and its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the Puka Pukara fortress that protected the royal capital from attacks; and the water temple, Tambomachay.

Continue through the mountains and enjoy breathtaking views as snow-capped Andean peaks descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Check in to your accommodations and take the afternoon to unwind, explore Urubamba, and acclimatize.

Stay: Sol y Luna

Day 3: Sacred Valley

Visit the isolated Amaru indigenous community in the Andes. Gather plants used as natural dyes and see the Amaru’s colorful textiles brought to life. Lunch with community leaders — or picnic amongst Pisac ruins — and hike down the mountainside to the region’s most vibrant market to bargain for wares.

Stay: Sol y Luna

Day 4: Sacred Valley

Mountain bike through colonial villages, down the Andes, to an ancient Incan laboratory, and amidst pre-Columbian terraced saltpans. Good for experienced and beginner riders alike.

Stay: Sol y Luna

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Day hike the Inca trail through Andean cloud forest leading you to the Sun Gate and the magical lost city of Machu Picchu.

Stay: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Day 6: Machu Picchu

Revel at the sunrise from Machu Picchu and make the morning climb of Huayna Picchu mountain. Enjoy a complete guided tour of the site with time to explore on your own as well.

Stay: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Day 7: Machu Picchu - Cusco

Taking the train after breakfast, you’ll have time to roam through the town of Ollantaytambo taking in the ancient ruins towering above. Heading into the Sacred Valley you’ll stop to enjoy lunch at an authentic colonial-era hacienda before continuing on and arriving in the early evening to Cusco. For those who’d like to try riding the famed Peruvian Paso horses, after lunch you can enjoy a couple hours riding through the spectacular hacienda, the small nearby town with its handsome colonial square, and along the valley.

Stay: La Casona

Day 8: Cusco

Enjoy the day at your leisure independently exploring — or accompanied by your guide — one of South America’s most dynamic cities. Visit Incan architectural jewels such as Korikancha — the temple of the sun, shop at Andean markets, enjoy incredible Peruvian cuisine, and see the colonial cathedrals around the Plaza Central. Or choose from optional excursions such as guided culinary explorations and cooking lessons, or an exciting whitewater rafting adventure on the exciting but safe stretches of the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley.

Stay: La Casona

Day 9: Return Home

Fly to Lima and depart.